In a major step toward clean and sustainable energy adoption in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, SPIE Global Services Energy has commissioned a cutting-edge 15kWp Off-Grid Hybrid Solar Diesel Energy Plant to support operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC). Commissioned in February 2025, the system is being hailed as a blueprint for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in industrial settings.
The newly installed energy plant represents an innovative fusion of renewable and conventional energy sources, tailored to meet the complex demands of an off-grid, high-energy industrial environment. At its core, the system combines solar power generation with a diesel backup, ensuring uninterrupted electricity while drastically reducing carbon emissions.
A Smart Blend of Technology and Sustainability
Designed to deliver reliable energy in locations with limited or unstable access to grid electricity, the hybrid system embodies the best of both energy worlds. It generates an average of 950 kWh of solar energy monthly, accounting for 55% of total site energy needs during the same period.
The result? A monthly reduction of over 1,200 kg of CO₂ equivalent emissions, representing a significant environmental impact in the fight against global climate change. The hybrid model supports consistent operational efficiency, reduces fuel dependency, and contributes to Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner energy systems.
Beyond Environmental Gains: Real-World Benefits
The SPIE hybrid plant doesn’t just look good on paper—it delivers real, tangible value to the refinery and the surrounding community. Some of the standout advantages include:
Reduced Operating Costs: By minimising diesel usage, the plant substantially lowers energy costs—a key consideration for industrial operations facing high fuel expenses.
Energy Security: The integrated diesel backup ensures uninterrupted power supply, a critical asset in remote or infrastructure-deficient areas.
Sustainability and Climate Resilience: In line with global and national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hybrid solutions like this one drive meaningful progress toward a low-carbon future.
This move is in line with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which seeks to leverage renewables to diversify the country’s energy mix and ensure universal energy access by 2030. It also aligns with SPIE’s corporate sustainability agenda, which includes implementing renewable energy solutions for industrial and community applications across Africa.
Leading by Example in Industrial Renewable Energy
As traditional industries increasingly recognise the importance of sustainable operations, SPIE’s installation at PHRC stands as a shining example of how oil and gas companies can actively contribute to climate goals without compromising performance or reliability. The project underscores a shift within the energy sector—from merely extracting and refining fossil fuels to embracing green technology innovations that enhance energy resilience and environmental accountability.
The PHRC hybrid plant is one of several renewable energy projects being spearheaded by SPIE across Africa. The company’s focus is on empowering communities, industries, and institutions through affordable, clean, and scalable energy solutions. It is also helping governments and private enterprises meet their net-zero targets through strategic implementation of solar, wind, and hybrid systems.
A Vision for a Greener Future
With this hybrid plant, SPIE has not only reduced diesel consumption and improved operational efficiency at one of Nigeria’s key refineries but has also demonstrated a scalable model for renewable energy integration in industrial operations. The project’s success could encourage similar deployments across other energy-intensive sectors and locations in Nigeria, especially in regions plagued by unstable grid supply or total lack of electricity access.
Ultimately, SPIE’s innovation sends a strong message: Africa’s energy future doesn’t have to be at odds with environmental preservation. By investing in smart, climate-resilient infrastructure, companies can power progress while preserving the planet.
